ALAMEDA -- The Raiders announced on Monday that they have fired offensive coordinator Greg Knapp and three other assistant coaches.

The Raiders also fired offensive line coach Frank Pollack, special teams coordinator Steve Hoffman and linebackers coach Johnny Holland, the team announced.

"Decisions like this are very difficult," Raiders coach Dennis Allen said in a press release. "I have a great deal of respect for all of these men and I appreciate their contributions to the Oakland Raiders this season."

The decision to fire Knapp had much to do with a drastic drop-off in the running game, particularly by running back Darren McFadden, whose yards per carry dipped from 5.4 in 2011 to 3.3 this season. He averaged 5.2 in 2010.

Oakland Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Knapp works the sidelines during their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first quarter at the O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012. (Nhat V. Meyer/Staff)

There was a slight increase in passing yardage this season, with the Raiders jumping from 11th in 2011 under Hue Jackson to eighth this season. The passer rating of the quarterbacks also surged from 79.4 to 82.4.

Beyond that, the Raiders endured noticeable drop-offs in yards per game, points per game, rushing yards per game and rushing touchdowns.

The Raiders dipped from seventh in the league in rushing in 2011 to 28th this season, with a drop of more than 43 yards per game. They also tied for the fewest rushing touchdowns (4) after tying for seventh with 16 in 2011.

Coach Dennis Allen hired Knapp and offensive line coach Frank Pollack with the understanding that the Raiders would switch to the zone-blocking scheme favored by Knapp and Pollack.

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McFadden and the offensive line struggled in the new scheme, though Allen and Knapp remained steadfast in their support of the change.

Knapp pleaded patience, saying it takes time for the scheme to take hold. McFadden looked nothing like the player that flourished in Jackson's scheme, and his frustration surfaced toward the end of the season.